Arsenal have made AC Milan winger Rafael Leao their “Plan B” if they can’t secure the signature of top target Nico Williams this summer, according to Bild ‘s lead reporter Christian Falk.
Bayern Munich have recently become frontrunners for the Spanish international, and writing in his Substack column, Falk claims they have also considered Leao as a target, although they could face strong competition from the Gunners and Liverpool:
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“There was also a meeting between Leao’s agents, [and Bayern directors] Max Eberl and Christoph Freund. The summit took place at Sabener Straße on May 30, the day before the Champions League final. The talks have not become more concrete since then. Liverpool should also be interested in the player of AC Milan. Interesting: Leao shall also be Arsenal’s Plan B, if they can’t get Nico Williams.”
Leao has been linked with a switch to the Emirates before, but this is the first time that a reliable source has confirmed Mikel Arteta’s side’s interest.
Leao is not expected to be sold on the cheap
Reports in the Italian media have suggested that Milan have slapped a €100m (£85m) asking price on the Portuguese forward.
The Rossoneri missed out on European qualification last season, so they are not in the best shape financially, but they have recently sold Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City. It means they may be less willing to offload Leao.
Arsenal are also looking at several other wingers
It is believed the Gunners have retained a strong interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, but a lot still hinges on a meeting with new head coach Xabo Alonso. The Brazilian international is keen to discover how many minutes he will play next season.
Another potential alternative is thought to be Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. The former Manchester United player issaid to have a £60m price tag.
In other news, fans have discussed whether Arsenal should sign an England international defender